Imagine walking through green countryside full of vineyards, olive trees, rivers and forests, full of beautiful villages and medieval towns situated on hills. Indeed it sounds like a dream. This dream can come true! Join us on a walking adventure through green Istria. Learn about the natural beauty that will open before you every step of the way and with every new winding of the road. Learn about the culture and heritage of Istria and visit picturesque towns on the hills with unforgettable views which will leave you breathless. Visit Hum, the smallest town in the world and experience the spirit of the past in Motovun and Grožnjan, the town of artists. To get to know the best of Istria, walk through Učka Nature Park which contains a wealth of life and finally, round off this green adventure with the delicious flavors of indigenous Istrian delicacies and wines.
Highlights:
♦ Visiting hilltop towns Grožnjan, Motovun and Buzet
♦ Visiting Hum, the smallest town of the world
♦ Hiking in Učka Nature Park
♦ Exploring the rich cultural heritage and local culinary delicacies
♦ Parenzana, a railway of a of great historical significance for Istria
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival in Buje Area
Arrival in Istria and transfer to your hotel in the Buje area (transfer not included). Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, settling into your accommodation and preparing for the adventure ahead. Overnight in the Buje area.
Day 2 – Hike: Brtonigla to Buje
After a short transfer to Brtonigla, your walk begins through a picturesque landscape of vineyards, olive groves, meadows, and woods—untouched nature far from modern civilization. This area is also renowned for its excellent wines and olive oils. Along the way, many family-run cellars and tasting rooms invite you to discover the authentic Istrian lifestyle. After about three hours of walking through vineyards, you’ll reach Buje, a small hilltop town. From the top, enjoy sweeping views over terraced fields, vineyards, and olive groves. Spend time exploring this charming town full of history and culture. The walk finishes right in front of your hotel, following the path of a former railway line. Overnight in the Buje area. B/-/-
Transfer: 10-minute transfer to the trailhead; Walking distance: 16 - 18 km / 10 miles,Walking time: 4–5 hours;Elevation: +268m / -278m
Day 3 – Hike: Grožnjan to Motovun
After breakfast you are ready to start exploring Istrian villages and hidden paths. After 10 minutes transfer walking stage starts on ex railway Parenzana, a narrow - gauge Austrian railway connecting Trieste with Poreč through a series of Istrian small towns, for 123 kilometers long. The railway was in function from 1902 until 1935, and today, the track has been rearranged for cycling and hiking paths wounding through Istrian hills. Grožnjan will be your start point. After you saw Its galleries and viewpoints you can pass through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards. After passing through several tunnels, over old bridges you can stop on many fascinating view point before reaching the village of Livade, the truffle center of the world where you can taste and buy some products with truffles. In front of Livade on a hilltop town Motovun where is your hotel. Overnight in Motovun. B/-/-
Transfer: 10-minute transfer to trailhead + luggage transfer, Walking distance: 25 km / 15.6 miles
Alternative shorter route: approx. 20 km / 12.5 miles; Elevation gain: +511m / -573m (1,676ft / 1,879ft)
Day 4 – Hike Around Motovun
Today's hike you will start from your hotel descending from the hilltop to the walking trail which guides you throught wineyards to the small village Brkač where you can have istrian lunch in local tavern. On Parenzana trail you are heading back to Motovun. On the way back you can stop in a small winery where you can taste local wines. Overnight in Motovun. B/-/-
Walking distance: 15 km / 9.4 miles, Elevation: +451m / -452m (1,479ft / 1,482ft)
Day 5 – Hike: Oprtalj to Buzet
Ater breakfast short transfer to Oprtalj. Picturesque little town deeply in Istrian peninsula from where starts the Istrian Mountain Trail. The route goes downhill into the forest and passing Sv.Ivan (st.John) village. Next village is st. Lucija with a very beautiful church. After passing through a few villages you will get to Control point where it’s also one of the best views on river Mirna valley. The trail is passing by the Pietrapelosa castle and leads down in the valley. After passing an aqueduct the trail goes on the hill towards the village of Mali Mlun and few more villages opens a beautiful view on the town of Buzet. Through the forest and fields at the trail will get you to Buzet. Overnight in Buzet. B/-/-
Transfer: 15-minute transfer to the trailhead + luggage transfer; Walking distance: 18 km / 11.25 miles
Alternative shorter route: approx. 8 km / 5 miles; Elevation gain: +496m / -700m (1,626ft / 2,296ft)
Day 6 – Circular Hike: Buzet to Hum and Back
Path from Buzet to Hum can be a circular trail or one way if you start from Hum. The trail starts by the river and turns into the forest, passing over shallow river or riverbed if it's dry. It's passing by some waterfalls with lakes. Nice, and not too steep, the trail leads you all the way to Kotli, the water springs with natural pools and an old watermill. The trail continues following the riverbed and it's passing through Benčići, an abandoned village where you can see traditional Istrian stone houses. From there you'll see Hum and its recognizable church tower in the distance. When you get to Hum, take a walk and you'll understand why it’s the smallest town in the world. In Hum you can eat in the local "konoba", a wordform the local dialect that means restaurant. The "konoba" in hum offers you nothing but traditional istrian dishes. The «way of mistletoe» will lead you all the way back to Buzet. Overnight in Buzet. B/-/-
Walking distance: Buzet to Hum: 12.5 km / 7.8 miles, Hum to Buzet: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation gain:Buzet to Hum: +343m / -138m (1,125ft / 453ft); Hum to Buzet: +145m / -333m (476ft / 1,092ft)
Day 7 – Hike: Mount Učka to Lovran
Transfer to Poklon, a saddle between two hills from where trail starts. It goes on the top of Učka mountain which is the biggest mountain in Istria with an altitude of 1401 m. From the top it goes all the way down on sea level in Lovran. Path is covered by oak and chestnut forests that give pleasant freshness in hot summers. The very summit of Učka (Vojak) is worth to climb on for stunning panorama. The panorama of Kvarner bay includes sea and coastal towns, as well as the mountains in background: Obruc, Snjeznik and Risnjak Western side the whole Istra peninsula lies in front of you. Sometimes, if visibility is good, the view can be so clear that it reaches Venice and Alps on the north side. Overnight in Lovran. B/-/-
Transfer: 30 min transfer from Buzet to Poklon (start point) +luggage transfer; Walking distance: 15 km / 9,4 miles, Shorter walk 6 km / 3,8 miles
Elevation gain: +783m / -1692m, +2568ft / -5550ft, Shorter walk +28 m / -382m, +92ft / -1253ft
Day 8 – Departure from Lovran
After breakfast, your walking tour comes to an end. Departure from Lovran.
Important information:
Total distance: 115 km / 72 miles Departures: Any day in a week
Grade: Moderate (Walking distances on this type of holiday are longer and some of the days may be challenging than
others. Possible are days with easy scrambling and steeper descents. Suitable for most regular walkers who have a
reasonable level of fitness. Distance for a day are 12,5 km to 25 km)
Price Includes: Orientation meeting
2 x overnights in in Buje area/Brtonigla
2 x overnights in Motovun
2 x overnights in Buzet
1 x overnight in Lovran
7 x breakfasts
Information package including detailed route description(maps and route notes),water bottle,luggage tags,water,bottle,vouchers for hotels,APP for offline navigation with voice guidance,info about POI’s and restaurant recommendation
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
Local transfers to start point during walking
24/7 emergency number
Not Included: Travel insurance
Arrival and departure from Istria
Transfer from airport to hotel and return
Lunches,dinners and drinks
Hiking poles hire EUR 10 per pair for one week
GPS Garmin hire for 1 week EUR 50
Entrance fees
Personal expenses
